OSCE organizes seminar on relief mechanisms for natural disasters and emergencies in Turkmenistan

Effective mechanisms for responding to natural disasters and emergencies were the focus of a seminar organized by the OSCE for members of the State Commission for Emergency Situations of Turkmenistan and representatives of other relevant bodies held in Ashgabat on 14 and 15 December 2017.

The two-day event focused on preventative and preparatory measures within disaster response procedures and aimed to facilitate the exchange of best practices in ensuring community safety in the event of an emergency situation.

“The 2014 Basel OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on Disaster Risk Reduction acknowledged the linkages between disasters and security and emphasized that co-operation on disaster risk reduction can contribute to confidence building and good neighborly relations,” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. “The OSCE initiated numerous projects aimed at promoting community-based disaster risk reduction and strengthening national and regional capacities to manage natural disasters and emergencies. Today’s event marks the successful continuation of the activities of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat in this area.”

During the event, an international expert elaborated on disaster relief mechanisms for natural disasters and emergencies and crisis management procedures. Special attention was paid to different ways of receiving international crisis support and the importance of conducting regular crisis training.

The event also featured simulation exercises in a virtual city, which provided participants with an opportunity to enhance their skills in risk assessment, the development of preparedness and response measures as well as planning for emergencies and crisis management. A practical exercise emphasized the importance of communication as the basis for emergency and crisis management.